The first derivative test allows one to find relative maxima/minima. To perform the test, first take the derivative of the function. Then, set the derivative equal to zero. With the zeroes of the derivative, plug in points on the left and right side of the zero point. If the point on the left side is positive and the one on the right side is negative, then that point is a relative maximum. If it goes from negative to positive, then the point is a relative minimum. If the points on either side are both positive/negative, then the point is neither a remarks maximum or minimum.
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